The National Science Foundation’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) recently experienced a cyberattack on August 1 [1], resulting in disruptions to its operations at the Gemini North astronomical observatory in Hawai’i.
Description
In response to the cyberattack, the NOIRLab cybersecurity team and observing teams promptly took action to prevent any damage to the observatory. As a precautionary measure, the Gemini Observatory computer systems [2] [4], including the telescopes [4], were shut down and isolated. Consequently, observations were suspended, and the Gemini website and proposal tools went offline [2]. However, the NOIRLab website remains accessible [2]. Fortunately, the telescopes were not in use during the attack [4], and there is no apparent damage to the observatory’s computer systems or telescopes [4]. The NOIRLab IT team is currently working on a recovery plan while investigating the nature of the cyberattack. This incident serves as a reminder for observatories and research centers to remain vigilant against cyberattacks [4]. NOIRLab [1] [2] [3] [4], headquartered in Tucson [2], Arizona [2], manages several other observatories and is actively implementing necessary security measures. Updates on the investigation and the reopening of the observatory will be provided when available.
Conclusion
The cyberattack on NOIRLab’s Gemini North observatory highlights the importance of cybersecurity for observatories and research centers. The swift response and precautionary measures taken by the NOIRLab cybersecurity team and observing teams prevented any damage to the observatory. However, the incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against cyber threats. NOIRLab is actively implementing necessary security measures and working on a recovery plan. Updates on the investigation and the reopening of the observatory will be provided in due course.
References
[1] https://www.darkreading.com/ics-ot/gemini-north-observatory-suspended-after-cyberattack
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cyberattack-attempt-halts-astronomical-observations-gemini-bagwe
[3] https://www.scmagazine.com/brief/novel-attack-infrastructure-established-by-russian-hackers-to-bypass-detection
[4] https://space.n2k.com/podcasts/t-minus/86
